NOLANVILLE - A Nolanville couple is raising money to purchase a service dog for their 12-year-old son, who was diagnosed with autism four years ago.

Dea and Jason Shatterly contend the dog, which will be specially trained to meet Matthew's particular needs, could help ease the boy's night terrors and meltdowns.

The dog also would be trained to keep the child from wandering or running off - a concern faced by many families of children with autism.

The couple is working with 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit agency based in Ohio that's overseeing the dog's training. The agency has established an account for the Shatterly family.

So far, the couple has raised nearly half of the $11,000 needed to get the dog.

One of the requirements is for the family to raise donations to cover the training. Doing so helps ensure the recipients have a vested interest in the dog and will be more likely to care for it properly, Dea Shatterly said.

Her insurance doesn't cover any of the cost.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution is welcome to do so by mailing donations to 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH, 45385. Be sure to designate that it goes to Matthew Shatterly's account.